Cleaning out mice debris from cowl / fender area

[Steve G.]

Anyone have any tricks for cleaning out the cavity where winndshield wipers are stowed - all the way down into fenders? I have mice nests in there. I removed the ww door and cleaned out what I could with vac. Is there any way to get at areas down low in the rear of the front fenders? I noticed when car got wet, dark brown spots would come out of rear fenders, so there is definately a way out for the water. SHould I just spray it with power washer? Steve

[Alan S.]

Re: Cleaning out mice debris from cowl / fender area

Hi Steve,
You can reach into the bottom of the hinge pillars by taking off the interior kick panels and then the lower vent doors. I dropped 2 screws into the abyss and got them out that way.
Regards,
Alan

[Steve G.]

Re: Cleaning out mice debris from cowl / fender area

Interesting. I was able to open up the passenger side, but no luck on the driver's side. My car has ac. Does that mean I am out of luck? I pulled up as much debri as I could with a long claw tool (press the button and 4 bent wires come out of snout). I am sure there is still a mess in there. And I'm concerned if I stick hose or pressure washer down there, It might just make it worse. thoughts?

[Michael L.]

Re: Cleaning out mice debris from cowl / fender area

What about making slender tube adapter for the vacuum?

[Steve G.]

Re: Cleaning out mice debris from cowl / fender area

Good idea. I'll give that a try. That should get any remnants of the nest. I'd still like to wash in there - especially on the passenger side so when I open vent or turn the ac on, I don't get any odors coming in.

[Anthony S.]

Re: Cleaning out mice debris from cowl / fender area

Steve,

While my wiper transmissions were off I was able to reach in & clean these areas out. My car has A/C & there is a fresh air door that made it hard to get into the passenger side area, even with the vacuum.

This really came in handy when my cell phone fell into the driver side area.

I pulled the big stuff out by hand & the rest with a shop vac. It was mostly leaves & stuff, but there was a surprise.

Here's my surprise....................


I think I found the chuepacabra!!!

Anthony

[Terry M.]

Re: Cleaning out mice debris from cowl / fender area

Go to your local hardware store or home center and buy 3-feet of flexible plastic tube about an inch in ID. Cut one end at a angle 45* or 30* and warm the other end and force it on a tapered vacuum tool. A little duct tape for peace of mind and you are off to the races.